Wild Lettuce - Bydureon (Exenatide) Interaction
Herbal: Wild Lettuce
Also Known As: Lactuca virosa, Acrid Lettuce, Allubbyne, Bitter Lettuce, German Lactucarium, Green Endive, Lactucarium, Laitue Amère, Laitue à Opium, Laitue Sauvage, Laitue Scariole, Laitue Serriole, Laitue Vireuse, Lechuga Silvestre, Lettuce Opium, Poison Lettuce
Drug: Exenatide
Brand names:
Byetta, Bydureon
Medical Content Editor Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
Last updated
May 18, 2025
Interaction Details
There were no interactions found between Exenatide and Wild Lettuce. This does not mean the potential for an interaction does not exist, however. There is often a lack of studies and data surrounding traditional medicine, especially concerning drug interactions, so it is important to always consult your provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.
Pharmacist Analysis
Studies are few and far between, but the only reported interactions with wild lettuce are with sedative drugs as wild lettuce is purported to have sedative effects.
This would include drugs like antihistamines, opioids, and benzodiazepines. These are detailed on our individual drug interaction pages.
Additionally, as wild lettuce may contain hyoscyamine, an anticholinergic drug, it should be used cautiously with other anticholinergic drugs due to the increased risk of side effects.
Wild Lettuce Overview
Wild lettuce (Lactuca virosa) is a plant species in the lettuce family that is native to Europe and parts of Asia. It is a tall, annual plant with small, yellow flowers and leaves that resemble the leaves of cultivated lettuce. Wild lettuce is sometimes called "opium lettuce" due to the milky sap it contains that has been purported to have sedative and analgesic effects.
Wild lettuce has a long history of use in traditional medicine. It is thought to have various medicinal properties, including sedative, analgesic, and antispasmodic effects. It is used to treat a variety of conditions, including insomnia, anxiety, and pain.
Exenatide Overview
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Exenatide is used along with diet and exercise to treat type 2 diabetes (condition in which the body does not use insulin normally and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood) in adults (Byetta) and in adults and children 10 years of age and older (Bydureon BCISE). Exenatide is in a class of medications called incretin mimetics. It works by stimulating the pancreas to secrete insulin when blood sugar levels are high. Insulin helps move sugar from the blood into other body tissues where it is used for energy. Exenatide also slows the emptying of the stomach and causes a decrease in appetite. Exenatide is not used to treat type 1 diabetes (condition in which the body does not produce insulin and therefore cannot control the amount of sugar in the blood). Exenatide is not used instead of insulin to treat people with diabetes who need insulin.
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Over time, people who have diabetes and high blood sugar can develop serious or life-threatening complications, including heart disease, stroke, kidney problems, nerve damage, and eye problems. Using medication(s), making lifestyle changes (e.g., diet, exercise, quitting smoking), and regularly checking your blood sugar may help to manage your diabetes and improve your health. This therapy may also decrease your chances of having a heart attack, stroke, or other diabetes-related complications such as kidney failure, nerve damage (numb, cold legs or feet; decreased sexual ability in men and women), eye problems, including changes or loss of vision, or gum disease. Your doctor and other healthcare providers will talk to you about the best way to manage your diabetes.
Wild Lettuce - More Interactions
Wild Lettuce interacts with 390 drugs
Interaction Rating Key
These severity listings are for informational use only. Never start, stop or otherwise change your therapy before speaking with your provider.
| Major | The combined use of these agents is strongly discouraged as serious side effects or other negative outcomes could occur. |
| Moderate | Use cautiously under the care of a healthcare professional or avoid this combination. A significant interaction or negative outcome could occur. |
| Minor | Be aware that there is a chance of an interaction. Watch for warning signs of a potential interaction. |
| Unknown | No interactions have been reported or no interaction data is currently available. |
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Parts of this content are provided by the Therapeutic Research Center, LLC.
DISCLAIMER: Currently this does not check for drug-drug interactions. This is not an all-inclusive comprehensive list of potential interactions and is for informational purposes only. Not all interactions are known or well-reported in the scientific literature, and new interactions are continually being reported. Input is needed from a qualified healthcare provider including a pharmacist before starting any therapy. Application of clinical judgment is necessary.
© 2021 Therapeutic Research Center, LLC
Drug descriptions are provided by MedlinePlus.
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Dr. Brian Staiger, PharmD
In addition to being a clinical pharmacist specializing in pharmacotherapy, Dr. Brian Staiger is a registered herbalist through the American Herbalist Guild. He has combined his passion for pharmacy practice with the study of medical ethnobotany to improve patient care. Feel free to reach out about any of your herbal or medication questions!
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